India has paused plans to buy weapons and aircraft from the U.S., responding to President Trump's decision to double tariffs on Indian exports. A planned Washington visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been canceled, stalling deals for Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin missiles, and Boeing P-8I aircraft. While no official cancellation has been issued, talks are on hold. India alleges unfair targeting, as Western nations continue trading with Russia. Despite diversifying its suppliers, India remains tied to Russian defense equipment due to long-standing military cooperation.

GOP (Gono Odhikar Parishad) leader Nurul Haque Nur has called for comprehensive state reform, claiming that the political system has enabled the creation of autocratic entities like the Awami League and leaders like Sheikh Hasina, whom he described in harsh terms.

He argued that merely replacing individuals without changing the underlying structure would not bring real change. Highlighting the recent killing of a journalist and lack of public response, Nur criticized what he sees as public apathy and warned against expecting cooperation from those previously in power.

He noted that the July declaration by opposition forces failed to reflect public expectations and included outdated talking points aimed at serving party narratives. Nur emphasized that the 2024 uprising was a culmination of 16 years of oppression, disappearances, and political killings.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari emphasized that only the party chairman can appoint someone as acting chairman during prolonged absence, and such a decision cannot be taken through any alternative means.

He clarified that current Chairman GM Quader is in the country, healthy, and attending office regularly. He has not appointed anyone as acting chairman.

Patwari condemned activities by expelled leaders, labeling their councils and meetings as unconstitutional and misleading, alleging they are misinterpreting court rulings to spread confusion. He reiterated that GM Quader continues to lead the party based on consensus and legal norms.

On national elections, Patwari expressed concern over the lack of sincere government effort. He stated that if genuinely pursued, elections could be held within six months. He also criticized the Election Commission for excluding Jatiya Party from dialogue, citing this as evidence of an uneven playing field.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has expressed concern over the deteriorating election environment despite the government’s commitment to holding polls.

He criticized the interim government for failing to rehabilitate families of those killed or injured during the July uprising. “Even a year later, some of the injured are still not receiving proper medical care,” he said.

“People are unsure whether they can safely vote under the current fragile law and order situation,” he added.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to distort public memory of the Liberation War and delaying the national election by promoting a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system.

“People don’t understand PR; national elections must be held under the existing system,” he said. Hafiz also raised concerns over the integrity of elections conducted under the current police force, which he claimed has seen no reform in a year.

He alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from India, is plotting to destabilize Bangladesh ahead of elections and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

Five suspects have been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur.

Deputy Police Commissioner Rabiul Hasan stated that four to five individuals have been identified so far. However, no evidence has emerged that Tuhin was livestreaming an extortion incident, contrary to some reports.

According to initial investigations, Tuhin filmed an altercation where a woman was being assaulted by a man named Badsha Mia. Attackers demanded that Tuhin delete the video, and when he refused, they brutally killed him. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and the presence of a woman seen in the footage may help establish the motive.

The Dhaka University wing of Chhatra Dal has dissolved all existing hall-based committees and announced new convening committees for 18 residential halls.

The announcement was made Friday by DU Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon. The newly formed committees span halls including Ziaur Rahman Hall, Jasimuddin Hall, Surya Sen Hall, Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and Rokeya Hall, among others. A total of 593 students have been appointed to various posts across the 18 halls.

Professor Ali Riaz has announced that the National Consensus Commission will resume dialogue with political parties to ensure implementation of the July Charter and define the path forward. Discussions with experts are scheduled for next week.

According to Riaz, significant political consensus was reached during two prior rounds of talks on key reforms. “Implementing these reforms would be a true tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising,” he said.

In the first phase, 62 out of 165 proposals received unanimous support. The second phase covered 20 critical constitutional issues, with consensus achieved on 11, and majority-backed decisions on the remaining 9. However, discussions on 25 issues were halted due to objections from several political parties.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has strongly condemned the brutal murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, who was hacked to death by a group of assailants with sharp weapons on Thursday night in the Chandna Chowrasta area of Gazipur.

“We express deep sorrow and extend our condolences to the bereaved family. This heinous act reflects the alarming deterioration of law and order in the country,” he said.

Tuhin had livestreamed an extortion-related incident earlier that day, which Parwar believes was linked to his killing. “The government has completely failed to ensure public safety. Extortion gangs are not only attacking businesses but also resorting to murder. A nationwide social resistance against extortionists and their protectors is now essential,” he added, demanding immediate justice for the murder.

A covert office of Bangladesh’s Awami League has allegedly been established in a busy commercial complex in Kolkata, India. The office, operating under high secrecy, has no visible party insignia, photographs of Sheikh Hasina or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, or identifying signs.

Since Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh in August 2024, exiled AL leaders and activists in India have been conducting low-key meetings. While small gatherings of 30–35 people occur in the hidden office, larger meetings are held in rented banquet halls or restaurants.

Party insiders say the discretion is deliberate to avoid detection and maintain operations under the radar.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended trade negotiations with India until a tariff dispute is resolved. The U.S. recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods, citing national security risks linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil. A 25% additional tariff took effect on August 7, with more to follow in 21 days. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India will not compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and the dairy sector, even if it comes at a cost.

At a meeting with leaders of Bangladesh Jamiat-ul-Modarresin, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan emphasized the importance of keeping educational institutions free from political influence. "People should have the freedom to practice their beliefs without interference," he said.

He highlighted the BNP’s founding principles, noting that late President Ziaur Rahman introduced constitutional elements such as “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” and “absolute trust and faith in Allah” to reflect the nation’s values. He praised madrasa teachers for their contribution to religious education, adding, "I’m not here to ask for votes — I seek your prayers."

Salahuddin Ahmed echoed this, asserting, "No laws contrary to Islam, the Qur'an, or Sunnah will ever be enacted in Bangladesh." The organization reiterated its non-political stance.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, accused opponents of freedom of expression of forcibly removing artwork from an exhibition at Dhaka University's TSC that depicted political injustice and criticized the Awami League's governance.
Shibir President Zahidul Islam said the exhibition was meant to highlight "judicial killings" and other alleged abuses under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
He also criticized the July Declaration for lacking representation from public universities, private institutions, journalists, and diaspora activists. “We remained patient to avoid chaos,” he added, calling on the government to reconsider the document.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince declared that the "election train" is finally moving and will reach its destination before the upcoming Ramadan.
Speaking at an event commemorating the late Shahid Sadekur Rahman, Prince called on supporters to vote for the “sheaf of paddy” (BNP's symbol) to fulfill the dreams of martyrs and students who led past uprisings.
He also highlighted BNP’s promises: free healthcare, family cards for the underprivileged, farmer assistance through agricultural cards, unemployment allowances for educated youth, job creation, and industrial development.

BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad stated that despite various conspiracies surrounding the next national election, the party remains committed to contesting it.
Speaking at a victory rally in Belkuchi, Azad emphasized unity, saying, “Tarique Rahman led the July-August movement and will also lead us to form the next government, Inshallah.”